0:12Skip to 0 minutes and 12 secondsBy the end of this presentation you should be able to: Understand how to evaluate and select patients for trichiasis surgery in the community Discuss the key steps in preparing patients for trichiasis surgery It's important that each patient is correctly assessed because in some cases the presence of trachomatous trichiasis may not be an indication for surgery. The definite indications for trichiasis surgery

0:40Skip to 0 minutes and 40 secondsin the community are: One or more eyelashes which turn in and touch the cornea when the patient looks straight ahead Evidence of corneal damage from trichiasis Severe discomfort from trichiasis The trichiasis patient requests surgery Contra-indications to performing trichiasis surgery

1:03Skip to 1 minute and 3 secondsin the community are: Defective eyelid closure, or repeat trichiasis after surgery Children need surgery in hospital, possibly with a general anaesthetic Poor general health Trachomatous trichiasis of the lower eyelid. These cases require referral to an ophthalmologist for management.

1:32Skip to 1 minute and 32 secondsIdeally using the local language they ask: Are you aware of having trichiasis? And if so how long and what are the symptoms? Do you epilate? If yes, ask with what? Have you had previous surgery to the eyelids? Do you have any general health problems such as high blood pressure, shortness of breath, bleeding problems Do you take any medication and do you have any drug allergies?

2:01Skip to 2 minutes and 1 secondTo examine the eyes, the surgeon uses a bright torch and a pair of magnifying loupes. The right eye is examined first, then the left eye. Trichiasis is defined as having one or more eyelashes touching the surface of the eye.

2:15Skip to 2 minutes and 15 secondsThis can be caused in three ways: Firstly, there may entropion when the lid shortens and the lid margin rotates inwards and often becomes rounded, bending the lashes towards the cornea. Secondly, there may be metaplastic lashes. These are lashes which grow from abnormal places, usually behind the normal lash line. Finally, the lashes may be misdirected. This is when lashes grow from the normal lash line but instead of growing outward, they point backwards. All three types of trichiasis can occur at the same time in the same eyelid. When examining a patient for trichiasis the surgeon asks them to look directly ahead in the 'primary position of gaze'.

3:05Skip to 3 minutes and 5 secondsThe tarsal conjunctiva should be examined to assess the degree of scarring To view the tarsal conjunctiva the upper eyelid needs to be everted. To evert the upper eyelid the surgeon asks the patient to look down. Then they gently hold the edge of the eyelid and flip it up to examine the conjunctiva for the amount of scarring. Scarring usually appears as white bands.

3:30Skip to 3 minutes and 30 secondsCorneal scarring is the blinding stage of the disease. The cornea is assessed with the torch held from the side. This helps to show up fainter opacities more clearly.

3:42Skip to 3 minutes and 42 secondsLagophthalmos is incomplete lid closure. A small gap is seen between the eyelids when the patient is asked to gently close their eyes. Lagophthalmos occurs when there is shortening of the lids due to scarring of the conjunctiva. These patients may need to be referred to an ophthalmologist. Writing up the notes It is very important that the surgeon records both the history and the clinical findings in the patient's notes or a log book Sufficient contact information must be recorded so that the patient can be followed up. After a trichiasis patient is assessed, the surgeon can make a decision about clinical management.

4:18Skip to 4 minutes and 18 secondsAnd this will vary significantly depending on various factors: The clinical appearance and severity of the trichiasis The available resources Surgeon's training The views of the patient And finally, national policies on the preferred type of trichiasis surgery and indications for surgery Not all patients accept surgical treatment. In these cases surgeons need to guide and support the patient. For minor trichiasis - 5 or fewer in-turned eyelashes - or cases in which surgery is declined by the patient, or not immediately available, surgeons can advise patients to epilate, and provide further follow up. Epilation is the removal of eyelashes by the roots, usually by plucking. The surgeon must alert patients to the risks of epilation.

5:15Skip to 5 minutes and 15 secondsIt is important to: Demonstrate the correct epilation procedure, And provide high quality epilation forceps. These should have durable frames and rounded tips with non-cutting opposing edges. They should be provided in a size that patients with different sized fingers can use comfortably. Patients need to be counselled and informed about all their options. There are two methods used for trichiasis surgery

5:40Skip to 5 minutes and 40 secondsin trachoma endemic countries: Bilamellar tarsal rotation; and Posterior lamellar tarsal rotation Bilamellar tarsal rotation involves an incision approached from the skin. This leaves a scar on the eyelid in the immediate post-operative period, but as time passes, this tends to become harder and harder for others to see. Posterior lamellar involves an incision from the tarsal conjunctiva, and leaves no scar on the eyelid. It is important that all team members undertaking case-finding, counselling, surgical management, or follow-up are able to clearly explain which procedure is recommended for use in their local setting.

6:21Skip to 6 minutes and 21 secondsIn summary: To prepare a patient for trichiasis surgery, surgeons must carry out a detailed examination of the eyes and a basic medical assessment They must explain to the patient in a sensitive wa the procedure that will be used and obtain appropriate consent Epilation may be offered as an alternative treatment for minor trichiasis, or for cases in which the patient declines surgery or has no immediate access to surgery

Clinically assessing trichiasis patients

Trichiasis surgery aims to prevent vision loss by turning the eyelid margin outwards. This prevents any in-turned eyelashes from rubbing against the eye. The techniques and approaches used have evolved over the years. The ancient Greek physician Hippocrates (460-380 BC) describes only four eye operations, three of which were for trachoma!

Approaches to trichiasis surgery have evolved considerably in recent years. Obtaining a good surgical outcome is central to the service we provide to patients, and recent work makes good outcomes more and more likely for each patient.

An effective trichiasis surgery service aims to:

Provide high quality surgical outcomes for all patients

Detect and manage any complications of trichiasis surgery, and any post-surgical recurrence of trichiasis

Achieve high coverage of individuals with trichiasis

Any surgical intervention is a major consideration for both patient and surgeon. The first step is to correctly assess and prepare the patient for surgery.

As you watch this video reflect on the effect of the statement “you will need eye surgery” on a trachoma patient. Who is best placed to inform and counsel the patient?